Contents

Tengu is a twenty-point monster and comes in purple and red for the original colors. The figure is also available in all four later neon colours, plus the rarer premium colours of pine green and blue. The figurine keeps the dog-like qualities of the Tengu, and seems to have reptillian arms.

Tengu are an example of Yokai, spirits of Japanese folklore. They have described as a kind of goblin or demon, although niether term is an exact translation. Combining elements of man, dog and bird, and roughly human in shape, the Tengu range from mischievous pests to vicious beasts who bring war with them wherever they go. However, they are also revered in some cultures and are believed to be protectors, often said to look out for lost or endangered children. Nevertheless, they are mischievous and quick-tempered, often living in forests or volcanoes. Mystical beings capable of assuming many forms, the Tengu are nonetheless most often descibed and portrayed in one of two ways. The more common in traditional art is that of a feathered man, with wings and tail feathers, and bird's beaked head. Dog's ears, sharp teeth, scaled limbs and occasionally bat-like wing membranes are other common features. The other common depiction is more humna, retaining the bird's feathers and wings but granting the Tengu a human-like face, with ruddy skin and a long, sausage-like nose. Some modern depictions forgo the bird connection altogether, retaining only the red, long-nosed face, although this may be through crossing with the deity Sarutahiko, a similar looking being. Tengu are all said to be male, yet hatch from eggs. The most primitive form of Tengu, named Konoha-Tengu, retain almost entirely avian features, only later developing their humanoid guises as their powers develop. As well as shapeshifting, the Tengu are said to be capable of teleportation and telepathy, and are prodigious martial artists. The myth probably derives from that of the Chinese tian-gou, a heavenly dog-like spirit that was adopted into Buddhist culture and spread throughout eastern Asia, taking on more bird-like characteristics.

Tengu was one of the monsters who received a complete makeover for the 2006 remakes. Tengu was included in the group The Ancients, and lost many of his canine-like qualities. Instead, he was depicted as a bird humanoid, wearing a long, purple robe and wielding a spiked staff. On the website and collectable game card, Tengu was given a total points value of 165, and the following description:

"Tengu is winged creature that is part human and part bird. He is an expert in martial arts, battle tactics and sword play. He sometimes will impart his knowledge to human beings through dreams."

These mischievous monsters live inside hollowed out trees throughout the forests of Japan. The Tengu likes to believe he knows everything, but in reality he can easily be fooled. However, he has a nasty temper, and if you get caught tricking a Tengu, he will sneak up to you in his coat that makes him invisible, and either eat you or pick you up in his powerful claws and throw you into a volcano! The Tengu can often be seen "sushiing" just above the ocean off the Japanese coast in search of his favorite food - raw fish and seaweed... yuck!

In the Monster in My Pocket comic series, Tengu is a servant of Warlock. Along with Karnak, he spies on the heroes and returns back to Warlock to tell the evil monsters their progress. He was used for comedic effect, often mistaking Tengu for "Thank you," replying with "You're welcome."